David Petratos took over as the Romantics' drummer after Jimmy Marinos left the band in 1984, and recorded one album (RHYTHM ROMANCE) with the Romantics. He stayed with the band through the remainder of the 1980s until Clem Burke became the Romantics' third drummer in 1990.

Whatever happened to David Petratos? Has he been heard from since his Romantics days? I've read that during the late 1980s, he sang Jimmy's vocal parts during Romantics gigs, but did he sound anything like Jimmy?

Actually, I have a whole show on video with Dave on drums from 1986 and he did sound similar on vocals when he sang Jimmy's parts. He of course also played left handed on a drum set that was set up for a right handed drummer, just like Jimmy did.

I saw three shows during the David Petratos era and I thought his vocals sounded uncannilly similiar to Jimmys. Probably why the record company/management pushed for him to be in the band. I still have a Cream magazine article where it was reported Detroit drummer Ralph Serafino was replacing Jimmy on drums, which obviously never happened, but I have never heard how the band found petratos.

Personally I always thought that David Petratos' vocals added to the shows. In a way he sounded a lot like Jimmy, but I think he might have had a greater vocal range.

Having two lead vocalists in a show is the only thing I think the band needs right now.

I asked Wally after a show in 1986 if they had had auditions to fill Jimmy's vacancy because I would've tried out (more or less to fulfill my fantasy of playing with them) if I had known where and when they were. Wally said that the band's management had secured David's services and from what I've heard since then, he might not have been what the band wanted, but they had no say in the matter.

I asked Wally after the first non-David show I saw what happened. All he said was, "Oh, he went back home to Florida to be with his family." I wonder if he's playing in some local band somewhere now? Also, I have a copy of a live radio broadcast from late 1985, during the early weeks of the RR tour, and I've always felt David's vocals -- based on that -- weren't all that great. I didn't notice it during the shows I saw with him (totaling maybe six or seven), but this particular broadcast certainly didn't do him any favors.

I saw him play with the Romantics at the Living Room in Providence R.I. I remember being a little put off hearing him sing Jimmy's lead parts. His voice was similar to Jimmy's, but his drum playing did not even come close. I felt he was simply flailing about; really not into the music at all.

I was at a show in Cincinnati waaaaay back when (early 86?), and someone tossed a plastic beer pitcher that almost nailed David right in the face (Wally had seen it coming and ducked). Naturally, Dave got pissed off, but it was impossible to tell who threw it. My buddy looked at me and casually said, "Must have been a Jimmy fan."

A meeting should have been called, problems worked out, differences put aside, apoligies made, hatched buried, egos dropped, and everything possible should have been done to keep Jimmy in the band. Enough said.

The subject of Jimmy seems like such an incredibly complexed and somtimes bitter issue, both with the band and the fans. I became a Romantics fan in 1980. First show I seen was the now-famous Pine Knob show where the guys tossed their red leathers into the crowd...etc. I've seen every version of the band since, except the latest with Brad. In my "joe nobody" opinion, Jimmy was an irreplacable element. I have nothing but respect for Wally. His talents, drive and leadership certainly keep the Jimmyless version of the band afloat. Marinos might have been the arrogant, over-the-top rock star of the band but he was powerful and unique. I've been to well over 400+ concerts and other than Josh Freeze of Perfect Circle/Paul Westerberg..etc and Fred Leblanc of Cowboy Mouth, nobody hit the skins as hard as Jimmy...

If you are just comparing apples to apples, then yep, Jimmy was the PERFECT accompaniment for The Romantics drummer, however, the personal stuff unfortunately took over and, as we all know, sometimes those things don't mend themselves.

Luckily, the band has survived. Wally is an amazing talent, Coz an incredible guitarist, and Skill wonderful, as well. Haven't seen Brad drum for the band, so can't really speak to him.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you DO finally see Brad play-- he is friendly, funny, and definitely puts on a great show! (and his wife Chloe is just as nice!) I can't compare him to Jimmy on the drums, as I have never had the honor of seeing Jimmy play except on videos... But to see him (Jimmy) on New Year's Eve singing, I imagine he is maniac on the drums as well! (You could definitely see his ego--all eyes were on him when he was on the stage!)

Personally, I like Brad Elvis better on the drums than Clem Burke-- Clem seemed "laid back" to me (personality-wise when he's playing) Brad is a lot more fun to watch--and, it seems to me like he always knows where the camera is (at least when I'm taking photos--he seems to "pose" and make some funny faces for the camera... but then again, that may just be my imagination... )